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Boxun News, based in the United States, began in late 1998 as an online weekly magazine. In March 2000, Boxun launched the online news service. It established one of the earliest Chinese blogs, and many top Chinese writers living abroad have contributed posts.

From the beginning, Boxun has operated on the model of citizen journalism. It relies on ordinary Chinese, not trained journalists, although Chinese journalists sometimes have provided tips and articles. No contributor draws any salary from Boxun, nor does Boxun pay for articles.

It’s now ranked among the top online Chinese news sites in terms of traffic and influence.

BOXUN’S WEBSITES TODAY

Boxun.com, a source of news in Mandarin about China and a BBS.

En.boxun.com, an English translation of news plus photos and videos from Peacehall.com.

Blog.boxun.com, blogs managed by activists/writers, currently published in Mandarin and soon to offer an English translation at en.boxun.com.

BOXUN’S MISSION AND ITS CHALLENGES

Boxun is an independent news source that strives to meet professional standards of accuracy and objectivity, meaning reports based on observation or reliable sources and presented factually.

These are tough standards to meet when depending on citizens untrained in journalism. Many of the articles submitted are based on news reports in Chinese media or posts from netizens on Chinese chat sites. Some come from eyewitnesses or participants.

We have limited ability to verify facts or ask follow-up questions. Most submissions are made anonymously. Each submission and any communication about it puts our writers at risk from authorities determined to control all news available within China. Some of our writers, after being identified by authorities, have been arrested, beaten, forced to make false confessions on television and imprisoned.

BOXUN’S SUCCESSES

Access to Boxun’s website is blocked by Chinese authorities, but online users from China are its second-largest source of readers.

Boxun often reports news that authorities do not tell the public, such as outbreaks of diseases, human rights violations, corruption scandals and disasters. For example, Boxun was the first to report the 2003 Chinese submarine accident that killed 70 crew members, and in 2012 broke the story of former Chongqing mayor Bo Xilai being investigated for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power.

CONTACTING BOXUN

If you would like to contribute an article, photo or video to Boxun, please see our Writers Guidelines page.